Blogging: Fun, Art or an Investment?

Having less and less time to go on the computer these days for blogging, or obtaining information, other than legal writing, it has dawned upon me to question the nature and reasons that I blog.

When I began to blog (here, used as a verb), I looked upon it as an exercise of mandatory writing, an art form, if you will, that forced me to sit down and write each and every day. As time passed, so did the meaning and the definition of my blogging experience. I met some fun people on line, gathered some interesting information, and felt as if I lived inside the Jewish community that I have lacked my entire life! The conclusion reached, however, that blogging was an investment of me, my time and my interest. It was no longer a solitary exercise to write each and every day. When a new post was created, I felt it necessary to visit so many of the interesting people I have met inside of this space. At times, my blogging hours added up to 2 or more hours per day, each day.

When my daughter became ill, I went back to blogging as a means of expressing my feelings, a kind of lamentation in an introspective form. Of course, my never-ending interest in politics, and my intense dislike of the direction the Bush administration has taken this country has remained high on the list of topics that allowed me to let out my feelings as well, a kind of therapy if you will.

Now, I have less time to engage in blogging with my new job outside of the home, and the old one still hanging on (brief writing) as well. As many can see, my writings have been a mix of personal and political issues that interest me. Today, blogging feels more like an investment, of something that I have less and less of these days, which is time.

Here is the question for the week: What does blogging do for you? When you initially started, what was your motivation? Has that changed in any way, and if so, how? Do you see blogging as an investment of some kind.

Thank you for your minds.

When is Doing Something for Your Spouse or Partner Too Much to Ask?

It is a complete certainty that most of you know by now that I am a deep thinker. In addition to what percolates and transpires inside of my brain, it is also the case that I like to read deep books, either fiction or non-fiction, and watch movies that are provocative and meaningful. As mentioned, I have a large book collection, and have read more than 150 books alone on the Holocaust. It is a subject, that although painful, is one that I feel obligated and interested in reading about.

One of my favorite books on the Holocaust has just been made into a movie: Fateless by Nobel Prize winner Imre Kertesz. This book is a unique look into the pain and horrors of this time through the eyes of a teen-aged boy who was uprooted from his middle class home in Hungry and sent to the concentration camps.

My husband refuses to read any books or watch any movies about the Holocaust. He is not a child of a survivor nor did his family perish during these times, but the subject is just too painful for him, and it makes him hate the world even more. From my perspective, I understand how he feels, but to have this blanket rule, especially for a Jew, to watch nothing nor read nothing about the Holocaust is disturbing to me.

Of course, the possibility exists that I can go see this movie alone, or with a friend, but it made me think about when and under what circumstances we compromise for our spouses or partners.

Here is the question of the day: If your spouse or partner asks you to do something that you find upleasant, would you do it to make him/her happy? Where do you draw the line, and how do you compromise?

Is America Truly at War?

Over the past four years, and especially recently, I have heard many declarations, from Bush, concluding that our country is at war. These words, "America is at War," have been used by this administration to justify and explain many types of activities, from invading, and staying in Iraq, to invading, and leaving Afghanistan's, to wire-tapping, tax increases, and a number of other activities. It seemed especially curious to me that just last week a tape from Osama bin Laden, who had been unheard from for more than a year, re-surfaced, just when Bush was under fire for his wiretapping activities.

But what does it mean when one says, our country is at war? Is it that we are actually being attacked, are at risk of attack, or that there is an imminent danger of being attacked? Clearly, after September 11th., our country was at war, and we had been attacked, which justified many kinds of responses from our government and this administration. But is it truly the case that today, January 28, 2005, that our country is at war?

When I think of a country who is clearly at war, Israel comes to mind. This country is clearly at risk of actual harm from the acts and statements of neighbors, who on a daily basis, make claims or engage in acts in an attempt to obliterate its existence.

Do you think America is at war today? When, if at all, will we stop being at war? To me, we have not been attacked in four years (thank God), but this declaration seems to be a catch all phrase to justify almost any kind of activity.

On a personal note, I miss you all, and am sorry that my blogging is less frequent. Working outside the home everyday, and commitments here make it difficult to engage in daily blogging.

Thank you for your minds.

Happy 250th Birthday Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Today, January 27, 2006 is the 250th birthday of the brilliant composer, Mozart. Although he died at 35, he began composing at an early age, and his symphony no. 1, opus 16 was completed when Mozart was 8 years old. Mozart was a magical composer in his own right, and although he died at such an early age, he left behind many symphonies, 5 violin concerti, and a variety of string quartets, along with coral and vocal pieces.

Mozart's music is filled was and continues to be such a gift to the world. Each piece, in it own way is brimming over with so many emotions ranging from joy, hope, love, and forgiveness.

Happy 250th birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, wherever you are. Your soul continues to shine on so many of our lives, 250 years later. While in Saltzberg, I had the priviledge of visiting your birth home, and hearing my own son play his violin with his youth orchestra, in the one of the symphony halls named after you.

Thank you, thank you for your music!

The State of Israel

As many have read in today's newpapers, and heard on radio and television, the Palestinian group, Hamas, has gained a majority of seats in parliament. Hamas is a radical group, a terrorist organization, dedicated to the destruction of Israel and Jews at large. Here is an excerpt of Hamas in their own words: http: http://www.adl.org/main_israel/hamas_own_words.htm
To me, the road map for peace that was invisioned by both Israel and the Palestinians is put into peril, and the idea of a peaceful solution in the middle east remains quite fragile at the present time.

With the Iranian president's cry to wipe Israel off the face of the map, my people are at great risk now with this victory of Hamas as well. It wounds me, hurts my heart, and causes me great pain, as if one of my children, or family members were injured.

It is extremely important that the international community keeps a watchful eye, and reads the words of those extremists who have such an enormous amount of Jew hatred inside of them, that they will not want peace no matter what. With Ariel Sharon hospitalized, and unlikely to resume his role again as prime minister, this is a sad day, and more likely than not is more a victory towards hatred rather than peace.

Thank you for your minds.

A Moment of Intimacy....If We were to Meet...

Yesterday, I saw on someone else's blog, where a man asked the question, 'what would you do with me if we were locked inside a candy store?' To me, a question phrased like this could be set up for all kinds of interesting, and possibly notorious answers. But his question got me to think.
Many of you here, who have been reading my posts, and who have navigated through my profile, can tell that I am a woman of many interests. Most of you can tell that I like talking about Judaism, politics, Bush, novels, classical music, dogs, friendship, leadership, and on and on. What I do not like talking about are math and physics, although I love Albert Einstein, and if I were alone on a dessert island, I would choose him as my companion, because he shares so many of my other loves with me, including the violin.

This past weekend, our cousin was visiting from NYC. It was Saturday, and he is Orthodox, so we went to him and we walked down the street. He had no idea how interested I had become in the Talmud, and told me he would sleep through that part of his instruction during school. To make a long story short, we now have agreed to email one other about this subject which he has knowledge, and I have interest in. An unknown, to him until last Saturday.

Here is the question of the day: If we were to meet, or have a conversation, what would you subject would you like to discuss with me? What about this subject would be interesting to you, and why would it be an appropriate subject of conversation?

Thank you for your minds.

An Open Letter of Apology

Reading over the posts this past week, it has occurred to me that I have been angry. The subjects of my anger have been anger towards God, people at home, people on this blog and in the workplace. The anger has conesequently made me make comments or engage in actions that could be insulting to others. Regardless of what comments are made to me personally, and whether the motive is evil intent, or engaging banter, I am accountable for my behavior, and can take a look at that in detail. So many people have their own issues, that to attempt to speculate or evaluate who causes what type of action or reaction can become completely exhausting.
Nevertheless, as I look over my posts, I can see where some of my comments may have been misconstrued, especially by religious Jews, Muslims or Christians, and been offensive. If that was the case, I want to say I am sorry.

The ability to look at oneself, take stock of one's own behavior apologize and change the way one acts to me is a great, freeing gift. I cannot control what others say, how they feel, or comments that they make (whether outrageous, offensive, or simply absurd), but I certainly can control how I act and present myself to the world.

Thank you for your minds.

Has God Entered the 'No-Spin Zone?'

Last year, 2005, was difficult for so many people personally and publicly. We saw our own country revised by powerful hurricanes, leaving people homeless, jobless and in some instances, heartless from the pain of the devastation. Additionally, there was much to be said from the distraction caused by the tsunami in so. Asia and the earthquake in Pakistan.

Surely, many of us have heard commentaries by individuals explaining that the reason that these floods and earthquakes have occurred is because God is unhappy. Some, extremists from the religious right went so far as to say that the destruction of New Orleans was God's way of showing us that He is unhappy with prostitution or a gay lifestyle. Recently, we heard Pat Robertson say that Ariel Sharon suffered from a stroke because God was not happy that he split the land of Israel. Of course, the fanatical president of Iran says that Sharon deserved to suffer his stroke because God wants to make him ill.

But is this wild speculation about what may or may not be God's will used to explain tragedy and disaster not a way to take God's name in vein? Do we treat God like a shmata (rag) or show Him disrespect when we try to use His will and acts as an explanation for behavior that some may find personally distasteful or deserving? What are we saying about who God is and how He acts with such personal speculation? Have we put God into the 'no spin zone' as Bill O'Rieley would say?

On a side note: the idea is percolating to attend the AIPAC Policy conference in Washington, D.C. this year to take a stand and make my position known on how Iran's pursuit of neculear weapons and the hatred of this President towards Israel.

Thank you for your minds.

Making Friends in the Most Unlikely Places

Today, I have been thinking (you know I love to think) about friendships, their value and meaning to me in life. All of us during our life-time have true friendships, and most know the distinction between a friend, an acquaintance and an enemy, or a pain in the ass. It has been my good fortune to have many close friends during my lifetime, some whom I have met in the most unlikely places. I have very good, close women friends and a few very good men friends as well. It is a great blessing.

For many, friendships, romances and other relationships are more often than not developed inside of predictable places, such as work, school, community or inside one's religious group. Some people live inside of insular communities and have little contact with the outside world, but more often than not, at some point or other in our lives, many of us end up meeting people with whom we become friends, lovers or even spouses inthe most unlikely places. For example, during my lifetime, I have met some of my more interesting friends at classical concerts, book readings, support groups, dog shows,libraries, airports, through other friends, by making purchases from vendors from Israel, and some even on line through shared common interests such as make-up sites or perfume networks. Even if we do not become friends, the computer is surely like a neighborhood, or like a club 21, where people can connect through blogs, on-line chat rooms, or other groups sites where strong relationships are formed through shared common interests.

Where are some of the least likely places where you have met some of your best friends, lovers or acquaintance?

Thank you for your minds.

Where Is God?

Currently, I am reading a very interesting book by a Holocaust survivor, called, Say the Name by Judith H. Sherman. The book is powerful, with raw emotion, and intensity and is a narrative, in prose and poetry, which speaks in two voices: one of the thirteen year old girl who experienced dismemberment and destruction of her family, Jewery, and perhaps even her belief in God, and the second voice of an adult survivor remembering family friends, hunger, pain suffering, with emotions that range from raw anger to unspeakable pain, while searching for a dialogue with a God who was not there for her.

As I am reading this book, it makes me think about how at times many of us may experience life on two tracks: one track where we feel a deep connection and relationship with God, and another, when we are in a state of pain or suffering, question where God is for us, and why He allows such desperate acts and events to occur in our lives.

Here is the question for the rest of the week: Do you ever ask, where is God? If so, why and how do you reconcile your love and belief with unpleasant or unfortunate experiences that may occur during your lifetime?

Thank you for your minds.

Religion & Their Extremists

EDITED: (Re-vised on 1/19/05)

Not being a scholar in religion, but someone who is well read, versed, and worldly in her affairs, there seems to be a pattern that develops in religions who go to the extreme side of the spectrum. For example, a case in point, and one that none of us can forget in our country, is the position held by the religious extremists who claimed to attack America in the name of Jihad on 9/11, noting that their acts were done in the name of God. How could it be, one may ask, that God wants people to kill others in His name for no apparent reason? We also see cases of extremists in the Evangelical Christians, and their ability to take pro-life decisions to an extreme end, allowing no shades of gray to illuminate in the middle. Of course, there are issues that can be addressed relating to Mormons, Buddists, and Hindus, but I am not so familiar with these religions, so I will stay silent.Being a Jew, I too am all too familiar with the extremes that my own people take in the name of religion. Examples run from bitter criticism to polarization against those who do not practice the most Orthodox tenants of the religion, to others refusing to support or fight for the state of Israel since it is viewed as secular in nature. My point here is that any religion gone to the extreme often produces people who exhibit hostile, outrageous and bitter attitudes that can end up hurting more than helping people in the long run. Are there differences between a fundamentalist Muslim, an Evangelical Christian and a radical Hasidic Jew, when they see no shades of gray? (Please note that I have omitted the word Orthodox, since not all Orthodox fail to see these shades of gray, and many are quite beauitful spirits.)Is a person who calls himself a rabbi, has a congregation, but drives to synagogue on Friday night, turns on lights or uses his computer less of a Rabbi or a Jew for that matter?

Here is an example from my own religion, which puzzles me. A man, who is married, is cheating on his wife and having sex with a prostitute, who is unmarried. Technically, according to Jewish law, he is not committing adultry, because there are some Jews who believe that adultry can only occur between a man and a married woman. A woman, on the other hand, lights candles on Friday nights, is home with her family, but drives, turns on the computer, engages in regular behavior. According to some people, this woman does not keep Shabbos, is not a real Jew, and has even been called a heritic. Does this make sense? From the point of Jewish law, it is inaccurate to tell someone she is not a Jew if she is born from a Jewish mother. What this point illustrates, is that there are some who practice religion to the extreme and engage in behavior and define people according to their own views, resulting in berating, condemning, ridiculing which are not Jewish values either.

Religion is supposed to be a program of attraction. Who can be attracted to those who berate and condemn those who see no shades of gray? Is it not the case that any person who takes his/her religion to the extreme ends up hurting rather than helping individuals and society at large in the long run?

What do you think?

Thank you for your minds.

Justifying "Bad Behavior"

Have you even noticed that there are times when a person is behaving poorly, yet makes an effort to justify his/her behavior by comparing it to that of someone else? Ultmately, the conclusion reached is that the person who is behaving poorly deems that his/her behavior is not so when compared to that of another person. In other words, certain behaviors are immune from being defined as 'bad' by comparision to someone else's method of conduct.

Here is what I mean. Each and every one of us, no matter how pious, forthright, or devoted we are to ourselves or others at some time in our lives behave badly. Such behavior can take many forms from something small, like failing to say thank you, to speaking abusively to our spouse or child, or to infidelity, an ultimate betrayal to one's spouse and oneself. Nevertheless, it can, and often is said that one's behavior is not so bad as another's behavior since it is being compared to someone or something else.

For example, Judaism is a rich, complex, beautiful religion with many commandments and prohibitions. Those who follow the strictest rules, which is quite difficult, at times see themselves participating in poor behavior. Here is an example, which is in no way meant to be offensive nor steoro-type Orthodox Jews. This is just something that I experiences when I was a new attorney and remember it very specifically.

I was selected to represent a young female child who was from an Orthodox Jewish home. She had symptoms of gonoreah present. The family showed up to court, with all their Rabbis, and support networks, the mother very frightened, the child even more so. Since I was Jewish, the Judge felt it would be best for me to represent the child in this case, which turned out to be emotionally one of the most difficult ones of my legal careers. As investigation was underway, it turned out that the father, who was a pious man, had been sleeping with prostitutes. He had not molested his child, and there was no medical evidence of such acts, but she had slept in the same bed in close proximity with him and the mother. I was horrified and came home crying when I had to deal with this case, which made me loose sleep, and question the most religious among my own people. Here was a man who was so interested in the intricacies of the Talmud that he forgot the top ten, specifically the one about adultery. His child was removed from his and the mother's care, and the man had to go to jail. Eventually, the family reunited, but meanwhile, at a very high price. All along, the father, his Rabbis and relatives were talking about what a pious man this father was.

Today, I have been thinking about this story as I was involved in a discussion with someone who was making an attempt to justify his own poor behavior by concluding and claiming that I was not a good Jew. (since I am not orthodox.) How often do we see others judging and/or condmening someone else because they behave differently, or believe in a way that is not in tune to one's own thinking? There are acts which in and of themselves, depending upon the circumstances constitute 'bad behavior.'

Bad behavior cannot, in my humble opinion, be made better nor tested by someone else's perception of reality by comparing one act to another. Ultimately, bad behavior is just that, and an attempt to justify it for one's own purposes does not make the conduct become automatically good.

Thank you for your minds.

Iran's President: Another Hitler or Kadafi?

In the past month, the world has been privy to some dangerous and scary statements by Iran's President, Mr. Ahmadinejad. Yesterday, he concluded that the west has been in the dark ages mentally, and claims that he will not comply with inspections if ordered from the U.N. Here is his latest list of words: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4616336.stm

Moreover, he has made it clear that he is a Jew hater, and wants Israel wiped off the map. His newest project is to start a committee to study 'scientifically' the Holocaust, with the objective of proving that it did not happen.

I am truly troubled by the political stance and defiance that Mr. Ahmadinejad shows, and his anti-semitism is cause for great concern to Jews everywhere. Moreover, he is clearly anti-west and anti-American as well, which poses a danger to us here in the United States.

Does this man, Ahmadinejad, have the makings of another Hitler or Kadafi? What if anything, can we do as a country, and can the world do to put him in his place?

Let us not forget to pay tribute to one of the great men of our times, Dr. Martin Luther King.

Thank you for your minds.

Should the U.N. Impose Sanctions on Iran?

A personal historic moment has surfaced today. I agree with a political statement that Bush has made! In fact, in my personal opinion, Bush has not taken his position on the Iran's desire to continue with its nuclear program in defiance of it's President's stance on cooperation, far enough. Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad denies that his country has nuclear weapons, and has been clear that he will not comply with U.N. inspection laws regarding the inspection. Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel were united against an Iranian nuclear program which Bush called, "a grave threat to the security of the world." Germany, in an historic move, showed its warming of ties with the United States, and agreed that such a standoff by Iran is troublesome, but Bush says it is too early to speak about sanctions yet. Let us not forget that the Bush family is saturated in oil, and Iran possesses about 10 percent of that resource in the world.

Why should Iran not be refrerred to the UN Security Council for a vote imposing sanctions? What sanctions should be sought? To me, sanctions in the form of freezing assets, imposing a travel ban, and breaking diplomatic relations with Iran will send a clear and strong message that inspection compliance is necessary in accordance with the policy of the U.N.

Personally, I see the Iranian President as an irrationally defiant man, ruling in a country where the availability of resources can be exchanged and negotiated for a hateful agenda. There is no question that this man is a Jew hater. He has made statements concluding that Israel should be wiped off the map, that the Holocaust never occurred, that the Jews in Israel should leave the middle east and move to Europe, and that Sharon deserves to be ill and in critical condition. These statements, coupled with his desire to refrain from inspections poses a clear and present danger to the world. Iran is a country of more than 40 million people, and squeezing the economy of a country that holds about 10 percent of the world's oil reserves has staggering consequences.

Do you think that the U.N. should impose sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with inspections regarding nuclear weapons? What, if any additional action should or should not be taken?

Thank you for your minds.

And How Is Your Week?

Many may have noticed, that Women on the verge of thinking is not posting as regularly as in the past, nor visiting blogs as often as she would desire. The fact of the matter is that going back to work in court has restructured my life almost completely. Now, when I get up at 5:30 am., instead of 5 am, and go walk each morning. By the time I finish, it is time to get ready for work, and then, of course the hour plus commute. When I finish the work, there are phone calls to be answered, letters written, and other forms of work that come with the territory. Add the fact that briefs are still being written, coupled with the care of my daughter and husband, and the day is practically ended. Nevertheless, I am enjoying working in court again, and being around people, where I can hopefully make some difference.

It seems that the older one gets, the broader his/her perspective becomes. Patience is a quality that I have been learning over these past three years, and it is much more fine tuned now than ever before. Also, listening, and not speaking as much, or drawing conclusions too quickly are present as well.

My week has had its pitfalls, like everyone's, I am certain. If my posts are not as frequent, it is not for lack of desire or interest, but more because of time constraints.

Also, this week, I have been absorbed in listening to the Senate hearings of Sam Alito while communiting to and from work. They have been most interesting, and enlightening, and it is my opinion, from what I have heard, that he will more likely than not be confirmed to serve as a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. This does not, of course imply my agreement or disagreement, just my belief.

So tell me, how is your week?

Supreme Court Nominee Alito and The Power of the President

This week, confirmation hearings will be held regarding Samuel Alito and his capacity to hold one of the highest positions on the highest court of this nation. Both sides are geared up for a battle, but will this battle be one regarding political party, agenda or presidential power.

According to the Los Angeles Times, in 1986 Samuel Alito wrote that the president's understanding of a bill should be just as important as that of Congress. If these words are taken to their logical conclusion, the President would actually have more power under the Constitution.

We have heard Bush recently regarding the torture ban, and the issue of wiretapping claim that he would back or bar something provided he had the constitutional authority to do so. These statements by Bush actually raise some eyebrows, especially among those of us who believe in the checks and balance system of this country.

Taken to its logical extreme, one could conclude that Bush himself does not believe in any checks on the presidential power. That in fact, it is absolute. Just last week, we saw how Bush stood firm on how he believed that his ability to wiretap Americans was within his Constitutional authority, even though the law requires that a warrant must be obtained after 72 hours have passed.

Does Bush believe that he stands above Congress and the U.S. Courts? Do we not forget how in the Terri Shiavo case, Bush tried to pass a 'special' bill to allow Schiavo's parents to intervene?

Since Bush seems to be defiant of Congress and the US Constitution, do we really want a Supreme Court Justice who will increase that defiance and powers of the President?

What makes us a true democracy is that we have a checks and balance system in the form of Congress and the U.S. courts. When our president thinks he is 'above the law,' we as a nation are in big trouble, and are heading towards a political form of leadership other than Democracy.

Alito is a competent jurist. The American Bar has given him an excellent rating. There is no doubt in my mind that he has the credentials and mind to be a Justice. But will Mr. Alito be an ideologue, a tool for increasing presidential power, or will he follow the law as it exists?

Thank you for your minds.

My Birthday Wishes

Today is my birthday. This day is shared with some famous and some not so famous individuals. As mentioned below, January 8th was Elvis's birthday, along with Stephen Hawking, David Bowie, Soupy Sales, the Hillside Strangler, my dear friend Stephanie and Nigel (from blogsville.)

Each birthday is a day when we feel special and can dream about what we want. Now that I am a bit older, my wishes may be more intangible, but I will share them with you all here. Gone is the need that to be lavished with gifts as the sole purpose of a birthday being special or happy. Today, maybe because I am older, my wishes are more abstract and global.

First of all, I wish for the continued good health and progress of my daughter. She is making improvements, and I am thankful to God for every good day. My next wish is for Ariel Sharon. Whether you admire him or not, he has been a hero to modern day Israel in trying to negotiate a peaceful resolution so that Jews can live peacefully with their neighbors. My wish is for him to remain stable and improve little by little. My next wish is for us to gradually withdraw from Iraq so that other men and women do not have to lose their lives or limbs, and that such withdrawal be speedy and peaceful. While on politics, I wish that George Bush would leave the Presidency, either by impeachment or resignation. Hearing that Mr. Delay decided to resign and step aside from House Majority leadership was a welcome gift. I also wish for my dog Astro to live out the year, if this is possible. I wish for the good health of my husband, my son and all my friends. I also wish for the continued safety and peace for Israel every moment of the day.

While I am at it, I also wish for a bottle of this new fragrance that has come out called Safron Troublant by L'Artisan. It is sensual and delicious. It would not be bad to have a Ballenciaga black bag to go along with it. These wishes I could honestly do without.

It is also my wish that each and every one of you have a good year, good health and prosperity.

On a side note. Woody Allen's new movie, Match Point, is a brillant, philosophical piece about the meaning of life and luck! A must see.

Happy Birthday to myself, and to all those other January 8th babies out there. Let the day be one of joy for you.

Thank you for your minds.

For Ariel Sharon

All my thoughts and prayers are turned toward the healing and health of Prime Minister of Israel, Sharon, who sufferred a massive stoke.

It is my understanding that he is in critical condition at the present time.

My prayers are that he not suffer, nor that his family or people suffer during this time of his illness, and that all be mindful of how this man (whether you agree with him or not) dedicated his life and skills towards the safety of Israel.

My prayers are with you and the State of Israel.

Thank you for your mind.

Turning a "Negative" Into A "Positive"

All of us have surely experienced some type of misfortune to ourselves and/or or families. Often, after such a painful event takes place, many people retreat, drawing themselves deep into a dark space. Some people need to do this in order to heal, yet there are others who stay there, afraid to come up for fresh air. Consequently, the tragedy or misfortune becomes and defines who they are.

Last night, I had an amazing opportunity to hear a panel of speakers talk about their children who had committed suicide. One mother, who had just lost her beautiful daughter less than a year ago, decided to go talk to schools, juveniles, and other youth groups to inform them about the finality of such actions. In her words, if she was able to affect one life, her mission was accomplished. Sadly, what I learned last night was that each day, between 50 and 80 individuals die by their own hands. Such a tragedy.

What this women taught me last night, however, is often, when faced with adversity, rather than retreat into that dark cave, we can turn our lives into an example and speak positive messages for others to hear. Turning a negative into a positive through our own actions (not inactions) can truly transform ourselves and others around us as well.

On a side note, I am back working every morning, and blogging may be limited this week. Something that absolutely boggled my mind, was that in a court room of 15 lawyers, there were seven of us, sitting in a row, who were left handed. A good omen, I think!

Thank you for your minds.

Elvis, Stephen Hawking, David Bowie & Me!!

What do Elvis, Stephen Hawking, David Bowie, The Hillside Strangler and I all have in common? Imagine if you were to mix all these personalities together to create that type of a man or woman! What an intoxicating human being! You would have the brilliant mind (the best quality, Hawking), the gorgeous body with gyrating hips, (Elvis)the musical talent (Bowie), the dark and intense side,(the Hillside Strangler) and the writer, lover of music, advocate ad infinitum (myself)!

What we all share is the same birthday: January 8th.

When I was younger, I used to be embarrassed that Elvis and I shared a birthday. I thought he was so un-cool. Today, I love the fact that we share a birthday, and can appreciate the other members of the January 8th club as well.

Here is the question of the day: Who shares your birthday? Do you like it, dislike it, and what do you have in common with him/her (if anything)?

Thank you for your minds.

A New Beginning: January 1, 2006

Hearing television commentators talk about 2005, one was reminded of all the challenges, struggles, and pain that were individually or publicly associated with that year. The once strong voice of Dick Clark had been replaced by a muffling of words, the consequence of his own personal illness in 2005. But this year, thankfully 2005 is now behind us. We are at this moment here, January 1, 2006.

Although I use a Jewish calendar, I changed it, for another one, wanting to start the year fresh, with something new. I bought more new clothes yesterday, and at the stike of midnight, I kissed my husband, as usual, and then went to kiss my daughter, who also seemed relieved to start a new year as well. Of course, Astro received a kiss as too.

Today is a new day. The sun has yet to rise, but there is calm, peace and tranquility in the air. An Iris flower is sitting before me, a symbol of hope, strength and courage. The day will start with an earily morning meeting with frineds, and then, we are invited to celebrate this new year with old, dear friends, a perfect way to begin. Tonight is the last night of Hanukah, and the eight candle will be lit on the menorah as well.

May it be God's will that 2006 bring about unity, good health for all, and peace, tranquility and strength among individuals and nations. May it also bring peace to Israel.

Thank you for your minds.